2005 press releases

U.S. Embassy Statement on Belarus and the 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report (June 6, 2005)

On June 3, 2005, t he Department of State released the 2005 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This Report is the fifth annual TIP Report and covers the period April 2004 through March 2005.

The TIP Report is intended to raise global awareness and spur foreign governments to take effective actions to counter all forms of trafficking in persons, a form of modern day slavery. In assessing foreign governments' efforts, the Report highlights the "three P's" — prosecution, protection, and prevention. In addition, a victim-centered approach to trafficking requires addressing the "three R's" — rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Belarus received a Tier 2 placement in the 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report. Tier 2 countries are those whose governments do not fully comply with the standards of the 2000 Trafficking Victims Protection Act, but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance. The Government of Belarus has made progress in its anti-trafficking efforts over the past year. It continued to recognize that trafficking is a serious problem in Belarus and increased investigative and law enforcement efforts. However, more remains to be done, particularly in the area of protection and assistance to victims.

The 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report may be found at http://www.state.gov/g/tip/rls/tiprpt/2005/.